Eyelid Treatment Device with Segmented Frame for Blinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for Meibomian Gland Disease (MGD) often inhibit normal blinking, which can reduce patient compliance and therapeutic effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a frame with an energy source that applies energy to the eyelids without obstructing blinking, allowing for secure positioning and energy application to the upper or lower eyelid, using a contoured engagement portion and support structure that allows for normal blinking and can include thermal or vibrational energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If energy is applied to the eyelid using a treatment device, then therapeutic benefits for Meibomian Gland Disease are achieved, but normal blinking is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple engagement portions (first engagement portion and second engagement portion) that are spaced apart, allowing different regions of the eyelid to be treated independently while maintaining structural integrity and allowing blinking movement
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portions are designed to be flexible or movable, allowing the frame to adapt to natural eyelid movement during blinking while maintaining secure positioning and continuous energy application to the meibomian glands
2Reliability
If the frame is securely positioned on the face to apply energy to the eyelid, then treatment stability is improved, but patient compliance decreases due to discomfort or inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple engagement portions that can independently contact and treat different areas of the eyelid, distributing the securing force across multiple points rather than concentrating it in one location, thereby improving comfort while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the frame have different engagement characteristics optimized for their specific functions - some portions provide secure anchoring while others provide gentle contact for energy application, allowing localized optimization of both stability and comfort
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances therapeutic benefits by promoting normal blinking and patient compliance while applying energy to the eyelids, improving oil production in meibomian glands without hindering natural eye movement.
Implementation Method 1
activating the energy source to apply energy to the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid of the eye of the user for a selected time and at a selected temperature
Implementation Method 2
using a contoured engagement portion and support structure that allows for normal blinking and can include thermal or vibrational energy sources
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described herein include a device comprising a frame and an energy source operably coupled to the frame that applies energy to eyelids and allows for normal blinking of the eye. The frame is securably positionable on a face of a user. The frame includes an engagement portion operably coupled to a support portion. The engagement portion is positionable over an eye of a user. The engagement portion extends between a medial side and a lateral side thereof. The support portion is securable to the face of the user peripheral to an eye area thereof. The eye area includes both the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of the eye. The engagement portion can be a first engagement portion and the frame can further include a second engagement portion spaced apart from the first engagement portion. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion can be coupled via a support portion extending therebetween.